The song "If Silence Means That Much To You" by Emma Pollock explores themes of communication, solitude, and the dissolution of a relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of confusion and hurt as the protagonist grapples with the sudden shift in their relationship. The song begins with the lines "We live for the greater, We live for the good, At least that's what I thought, She understood." It suggests that the protagonist believed in the strength of their relationship, but they are soon confronted with a phone call characterized by a "torrent of words" that dismisses their shared past and deems it absurd. The lyrics pose repeated questions about what the protagonist and their partner talked about and thought about with each other. This emphasizes the loss of understanding and connection, implying that their communication has broken down. The protagonist expresses their willingness to do anything to fix the situation, even if it means keeping silent. They acknowledge the significant impact that silence can have on relationships, leading to solitude and a thick residue of unresolved emotions. The lyrics also touch upon denial and the longing to still belong. The protagonist mentions being denied twice and emphasizes the importance of valuing life. The "oldest" and "youngest" mentioned in the song may symbolize the beginning and the end of the relationship, while the "middle" represents the protagonist's struggle to maintain a sense of belonging. The line "Buried alive, And with nobody watching, Severed all ties, With the mother of lies" suggests a feeling of isolation and cutting ties with deceit or falsehood. The song hints at a lack of support or friends to lean on, and there is a sense of uncertainty about the future. Ultimately, the song conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance of the situation. The protagonist acknowledges the potential consequences of silence and the lasting impact it may have on their own solitude. The song ends with the plea to hang up the line and hope for a positive outcome, despite the pain and uncertainty. Overall, "If Silence Means That Much To You" explores the breakdown of communication and the emotional toll it can take on a relationship. It delves into themes of isolation, loss, and the longing to regain understanding.
